Billingham Appoint Fans Favourite As New Manager

New Billingham Town manager James Hunter takes charge of his first game in charge at the weekend as Ryton & Crawcrook Albion visit Beford Terrace on Saturday in the Ebac Northern League Second Division

Hunter is a fans` favourite and although he wasn’t officially the manager against Alnwick Town last week, he has got off to a great start. Town dominated the game and the 3-1 scoreline was kind to the Northumberland outfit.

Last week`s game against Chester-le-Street which was a victim of the weather, was a chance for the fans to say thank you to outgoing manager Barry Oliver.

Oliver’s current work commitments mean that he not able to make midweek training sessions and games, and this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

He feels that he is unable to commit the time that is needed to carry out his duties as manager. He will remain chairman of the club.

The club would like to place on record the massive contribution that both Oliver and his assistant Graham Popple have made to the club over the last two and a half years.

They have transformed the club from relegation candidates to promotion contenders and took the club to the Fourth Round of the Buildbase FA Vase last season.

No one who was involved with the club last season could fail to be impressed with Oliver’s contribution and input, both on and off the field.

New manager James Hunter said: “I am over the moon to be taking on this group of players. It’s a great opportunity for myself and I wouldn’t be taking it if I didn’t think I could improve the performance and results on the pitch. This club at this moment isn’t where I believe it should be and I know if we stick together we can start climbing up the league.

“There has been some animosity this season around the club and I now need supporters to back myself and the players, so we can put the results right. I know I have the backing of the players, it won’t be plain sailing, but I will do my best to get this club back on track”.

About Author

Former Swansea City and Kettering Town defender who has been managing the likes of Kettering Town u18s, Rothwell Town, Desborough Town and Wellingborough Town for 33 years as well as being technical director at AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
Began in non-League journalism as editor of Team Talk magazine back in the early 1990s and then as editor of Non-League Daily, joining Pitchero to set up Pitchero Non-League in January 2011. Also works for the National League.